Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has been left out of Ghana’s squad for the second time in a row, as head coach Otto Addo announced his selections for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
This decision, following Ayew’s previous exclusion during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, has sparked significant debate among fans and football analysts.
Ayew, who is currently without a club, has been a mainstay in the Black Stars lineup for years, boasting 120 caps and 24 goals for his country. Despite being active and performing well before his club-less status, Ayew’s omission from the squad raises questions about the future of his international career.
Coach Addo has emphasized that Ayew’s absence does not necessarily mark the end of his journey with the national team. In the past, Addo reassured that Ayew would remain in consideration for future selections. However, the latest exclusion, combined with Ayew’s ongoing search for a new club, might indicate a shift in the Black Stars’ direction, with Addo focusing more on developing younger talents.
As Ghana prepares to kick off their AFCON qualifying campaign against Angola on September 5, followed by a match against Niger, Addo remains optimistic about his squad’s potential. Despite the absence of their experienced captain, the coach is confident that the team can secure crucial victories in these early qualifiers.
Ayew’s future with the Black Stars now seems uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether his continued search for a club and potential return to regular play will be enough to earn him a recall to the national team. For now, the focus shifts to the younger players stepping up in his absence, as Ghana looks to build a strong foundation for the future.
